South Indian Cooking - South Indian Recipes | Meet Chefs And Cookbook Authors

Oct 21, 2008

South Indian Cooking Queen, Alamelu Vairavan, Shares Her Secrets

My guest today is Alamelu Vairavan. I am absolutely thrilled and honored to feature Alamelu Vairavan on my website. Her speciality is the ‘South Indian Cooking’. She is popular cookbook author, cooking instructor and has also been featured on many US television programs. Alamelu has also contributed numerous recipes to American Dietetic Association cookbook. Lets get started now….

How and when did you get interested in cooking?

In India, I grew up in a large family with a professional cook and regularly shared in an abundance of delicious foods. Although I knew nothing about cooking itself, I did greatly enjoy good food. After my marriage I accompanied my husband to the U.S. Necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention. I learned cooking in New York from a professional chef at my aunt’s house. To my surprise, I found immediate joy in cooking. I am a person who loves the company of family and friends. Whenever friends dined with us, they indicated how much they enjoyed the food. Many even asked me for the recipes. I was amazed. These compliments not only gave me joy but also inspired me greatly. So, the cooking, cookbooks all evolved naturally. It has been an exciting culinary journey for me.

When at home, what do you like to eat?

My husband and I enjoy foods from many parts of the world. Usually at home we have American breakfast (cereals, eggs etc.,), light lunches and a sumptuous Indian dinner. We eat a lot of vegetable dishes, rice, and chicken or fish curry. For instance today our dinner consisted of Chettinad fish kulambu
(A delicious tomato and curry based sauce), cauliflower masala poriyal, lemon rice and some fat-free plain yogurt.

What is your favorite spice and why?

My favorite spice is “turmeric”. In India turmeric is used extensively in curry dishes. Growing research in American universities point to many health benefits of Turmeric. An active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that is also anti-inflammatory. Turmeric can also aid in digestion. Studies also suggest that turmeric can prevent Alzheimer’s disease and certain forms of cancer. For instance, researchers point out that the rate of Alzheimer’s disease in India is only one fourth of the rate in the US. This may be attributed to the common use of turmeric in curry dishes.

I as a health care professional worked in a long-term care facility and have seen may adults in their 50’s being admitted to specialized Alzheimer’s unit. I am happy teaching people how to use turmeric and other spices in their daily cooking. It has been a rewarding experience to help people discover the health benefits of spices.

What is your best cooking tip for a novice?

Recognize that cooking is a skill worth learning. Just relax and learn cooking. Cooking can be very therapeutic and relaxing. Home cooked meals shared with family and friends bring happiness and good health. If you are a very busy person and do not have enough time to prepare meals, note that you can cook food ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Foods cooked with spices have a preservative quality. My advice to novice is, to learn cooking and sit down to a relaxing dinner. As the saying goes, “A good cook is like sorceress who dispenses happiness”.

Alamelu Vairavan’s Books